Abstract: A highly reactive reducing gas mixture is produced from vehicle fuel and introduced into the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine operated at lean burn conditions and passed over a reducing catalyst to convert NOX emissions to benign emissions. Preferably, fuel with oxygen present in a carrier gas is metered into a plasma reactor having a bed of dielectric particles which prevent formation of coke as the fuel is reacted. The plasma induces a number of simultaneous reactions with the fuel to produce a substantial amount of oxygenated and non-oxygenated, unbranched organic molecules at relatively low temperatures that are highly reactive and ideally suited for use as a reducing agent in an SCR catalyst.

Abstract: Oxidation catalyst compositions for treating diesel exhaust include ceria and, optionally, alumina, each having a surface area of at least about 10 m2/g, and a zeolite, e.g., Beta zeolite. Optionally, platinum may be included in the catalytic material, preferably in amounts which are sufficient to promote some gas-phase oxidation of carbon monoxide (“CO”) and hydrocarbons (“HC”) but which are limited to preclude excessive oxidation of SO2 to SO3. Alternatively, palladium in any desired amount may be included in the catalytic material. The zeolite is optionally doped, e.g., ion-exchanged, with one or more of hydrogen, a platinum group metal or other catalytic metals. The catalyst compositions may be used in a method to treat diesel engine exhaust by contacting the hot exhaust with the catalyst composition to promote the oxidation of gas-phase CO and HC and of the volatile organic fraction component of particulates in the exhaust.

Abstract: Oxidation catalyst compositions for treating diesel exhaust include ceria and, optionally, alumina, each having a surface area of at least about 10 m2/g, and a zeolite, e.g., Beta zeolite. Optionally, platinum may be included in the catalytic material, preferably in amounts which are sufficient to promote some gas-phase oxidation of carbon monoxide (“CO”) and hydrocarbons (“HC”) but which are limited to preclude excessive oxidation of SO2 to SO3. Alternatively, palladium in any desired amount may be included in the catalytic material. The zeolite is optionally doped, e.g., ion-exchanged, with one or more of hydrogen, a platinum group metal or other catalytic metals. The catalyst compositions may be used in a method to treat diesel engine exhaust by contacting the hot exhaust with the catalyst composition to promote the oxidation of gas-phase CO and HC and of the volatile organic fraction component of particulates in the exhaust.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing the TPM level of a diesel engine exhaust stream by providing a suitable oxidation catalyst into the exhaust train. The oxidation catalyst may be incorporated into a thermal insulative coating on the inner surface of the exhaust train, particularly the exhaust manifold and exhaust pipes prior to the turbocharger. Alternatively, when the exhaust train includes a turbocharger, the catalyst can be in a separate monolithic unit between the engine and the turbocharger. The system may also include an improved diesel oxidation catalyst unit having a metal monolithic substrate. The oxidation catalyst can also be incorporated into a thermal insulative coating inside the cylinders, particularly on non-rubbing surfaces such as The invention also includes the use of a protective mullite top coat on the thermal coating. A further embodiment is the use of a stainless steel bond coat to bind the thermal coating to a metallic substrate, particularly an aluminum substrate.

Abstract: Oxidation catalyst compositions include a catalytic material having a BET surface area of at least about 10 m2/g and consisting essentially of a combination of bulk ceria and a bulk second metal oxide which may be one or more of titania, zirconia, ceria-zirconia, silica, alumina-silica and &agr;-alumina. The combination may optionally also include activated alumina having a BET surface area of at least about 10 m2/g. The ceria, second metal oxide and optional activated alumina may be mixed together or provided as discrete layers. Optionally, one of platinum or palladium metal may be dispersed on the catalytic material provided that the platinum, when used, is used in limited amounts to preclude excessive oxidation of SO2 to SO3. The catalyst compositions may be used for oxidation of oxidizeable components in a gas-borne stream, e.g., in a method to treat diesel engine exhaust by contacting the hot exhaust with the catalyst composition to promote the oxidation of the volatile organic fraction.

Abstract: Oxidation catalyst compositions for treating diesel exhaust include ceria and, optionally, alumina, each having a surface area of at least about 10 m2/g, and a zeolite, e.g., Beta zeolite. Optionally, platinum may be included in the catalytic material, preferably in amounts which are sufficient to promote some gas-phase oxidation of carbon monoxide (“CO”) and hydrocarbons (“HC”) but which are limited to preclude excessive oxidation of SO2 to SO3. Alternatively, palladium in any desired amount may be included in the catalytic material. The zeolite is optionally doped, e.g., ion-exchanged, with one or more of hydrogen, a platinum group metal or other catalytic metals. The catalyst compositions may be used in a method to treat diesel engine exhaust by contacting the hot exhaust with the catalyst composition to promote the oxidation of gas-phase CO and HC and of the volatile organic fraction component of particulates in the exhaust.

Abstract: A highly reactive reducing gas mixture is produced from vehicle fuel and introduced into the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine operated at lean burn conditions and passed over a reducing catalyst to convert NOX emissions to benign emissions. Preferably, fuel with oxygen present in a carrier gas is metered into a plasma reactor having a bed of dielectric particles which prevent formation of coke as the fuel is reacted. The plasma induces a number of simultaneous reactions with the fuel to produce a substantial amount of oxygenated and non-oxygenated, unbranched organic molecules at relatively low temperatures that are highly reactive and ideally suited for use as a reducing agent in an SCR catalyst.

Abstract: Oxidation catalyst compositions include a catalytic material having a BET surface area of at least about 10 m.sup.2 /g and consists of a combination of bulk ceria and a bulk second metal oxide which may be one or more of titania, zirconia, ceria-zirconia, silica, alumina-silica and .alpha.-alumina. The combination may optionally also include activated alumina having a BET surface area of at least about 10 m.sup.2 /g. The ceria, second metal oxide and optional activated alumina may be mixed together or provided as discrete layers. Optionally, one of platinum or palladium metal may be dispersed on the catalytic material provided that the platinum, when used, is used in limited amounts to preclude excessive oxidation of SO.sub.2 to SO.sub.3. The catalyst compositions may be used for oxidation of oxidizeable components in a gas-borne stream, e.g., in a method to treat diesel engine exhaust by contacting the hot exhaust with the catalyst composition to promote the oxidation of the volatile organic fraction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing the TPM level of a diesel engine exhaust stream by providing a suitable oxidation catalyst into the exhaust train. The oxidation catalyst may be incorporated into a thermal insulative coating on the inner surface of the exhaust train, particularly the exhaust manifold and exhaust pipes prior to the turbocharger. Alternatively, when the exhaust train includes a turbocharger, the catalyst can be in a separate monolithic unit between the engine and the turbocharger. The system may also include an improved diesel oxidation catalyst unit having a metal monolithic substrate. The oxidation catalyst can also be incorporated into a thermal insulative coating inside the cylinders, particularly on non-rubbing surfaces such as The invention also includes the use of a protective mullite top coat on the thermal coating. A further embodiment is the use of a stainless steel bond coat to bind the thermal coating to a metallic substrate, particularly an aluminum substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing the TPM level of a diesel engine exhaust stream by providing a suitable oxidation catalyst into the exhaust train. The oxidation catalyst may be incorporated into a thermal insulative coating on the inner surface of the exhaust train, particularly the exhaust manifold and exhaust pipes prior to the turbocharger. Alternatively, when the exhaust train includes a turbocharger, the catalyst can be in a separate monolithic unit between the engine and the turbocharger. The system may also include an improved diesel oxidation catalyst unit having a metal monolithic substrate.

Abstract: A method for treating cooking fumes to oxidize oxidizeable particulate and gaseous components thereof includes contacting the fumes with a catalytic material containing ceria and alumina each having a BET surface of at least about 10 m.sup.2 /g, for example, ceria and activated alumina in a weight ratio of from about 1.5:1 and 1:1.5 and a BET surface area of from about 25 m.sup.2 /g to 200 m.sup.2 /g. Optionally, a catalytic metal component such as platinum or palladium may be included in the catalytic material. The foodstuffs cooking fumes are contacted with the catalyst composition (22 or 40) at a temperature of 200.degree. C. to 600.degree. C. to promote the oxidation of both particulate (atomized) animal and/or vegetable oils and fats and oxidizeable gas phase components of the fumes. Optionally, a separate, supplemental gas phase oxidation catalyst (42) may be used in conjunction with and downstream of the above-described catalyst (40) to provide a two-catalyst system for treating cooking fumes.

Abstract: Oxidation catalyst compositions-include a catalytic material containing ceria-and alumina each having a surface area of at least about 10 m.sup.2 /g, for example, ceria and activated alumina in a weight ratio of from about 1.5:1 to 1:1.5. Optionally, platinum may be included in the catalytic material in amounts which are sufficient to promote gas phase oxidation of CO and HC but which are limited to preclude excessive oxidation of SO.sub.2 to SO.sub.3. Alternatively, palladium in any desired amount may be included in the catalytic material. The catalyst compositions have utility as oxidation catalysts for pollution abatement of exhausts contianing unburned fuel or oil. For example, the catalyst compositions may be used in a method to treat diesel engine exhaust by contacting the hot exhaust with the catalyst composition to promote the oxidation of the volatile organic fraction component of particulates in the exhaust.

Abstract: A method for treating cooking fumes to oxidize oxidizeable particulate and gaseous components thereof includes contacting the fumes with a catalytic material containing ceria and alumina each having a BET surface of at least about 10 m.sup.2 /g, for example, ceria and activated alumina in a weight ratio of from about 1.5:1 and 1:1.5 and a BET surface area of from about 25 m.sup.2 /g to 200 m.sup.2 /g. Optionally, a catalytic metal component such as platinum or palladium may be included in the catalytic material. The foodstuffs cooking fumes are contacted with the catalyst composition (22 or 40) at a temperature of 200.degree. C. to 600.degree. C. to promote the oxidation of both particulate (atomized) animal and/or vegetable oils and fats and oxidizeable gas phase components of the fumes. Optionally, a separate, supplemental gas phase oxidation catalyst (42) may be used in conjunction with and downstream of the above-described catalyst (40) to provide a two-catalyst system for treating cooking fumes.

Abstract: Oxidation catalyst compositions include a catalytic material having a BET surface area of at least about 10 m.sup.2 /g and consisting essentially of a combination of bulk ceria and a bulk second metal oxide which may be one or more of titania, zirconia, ceria-zirconia, silica, alumina-silica and .alpha.-alumina. The combination may optionally also include activated alumina having a BET surface area of at least about 10 m.sup.2 /g. The ceria, second metal oxide and optional activated alumina may be mixed together or provided as discrete layers. Optionally, one of platinum or palladium metal may be dispersed on the catalytic material provided that the platinum, when used, is used in limited amounts to preclude excessive oxidation of SO.sub.2 to SO.sub.3. The catalyst compositions may be used for oxidation of oxidizeable components in a gas-borne stream, e.g.

Abstract: Oxidation catalyst compositions include a catalytic material containing ceria and alumina each having a surface area of at least about 10 m.sup.2 /g, for example, ceria and activated alumina in a weight ratio of from about 1.5:1 to 1:1.5. Optionally, platinum may be included in the catalytic material in amounts which are sufficient to promote gas phase oxidation of CO and HC but which are limited to preclude excessive oxidation of SO.sub.2 to SO.sub.3. Alternatively, palladium in any desired amount may be included in the catalytic material. The catalyst compositions have utility as oxidation catalysts for pollution abatement of exhausts contianing unburned fuel or oil. For example, the catalyst compositions may be used in a method to treat diesel engine exhaust by contacting the hot exhaust with the catalyst composition to promote the oxidation of the volatile organic fraction component of particulates in the exhaust.

Abstract: Particles of an interconnected three-dimensional network of bar-like topaz crystals are used as a reactant (with added silicon dioxide, or a mixture with added silicon dioxide and hydrated aluminum fluoride or added silicon dioxide, hydrated aluminum fluoride and alumina) to form mullite whisker honeycomb articles suitable as catalyst supports.

Abstract: Particles of an interconnected three-dimensional network of bar-like topaz crystals are used as a reactant (with added silicon dioxide, or a mixture with added silicon dioxide and hydrated aluminum fluoride or added silicon dioxide, hydrated aluminum fluoride and alumina) to form mullite whisker honeycomb articles suitable as catalyst supports.

Abstract: A process for forming a shaped article comprised of mullite whiskers comprising the following steps:a. preparing a mixture of aluminum fluoride and silicon dioxide in a weight ratio of about 7:3;b. firing the mixture in air at a temperature above about 750.degree. C. until complete conversion to topaz takes place;c. mixing the topaz product of step (b) with silicon dioxide in a weight ratio of about 18:1 together with a binder and firing at a temperature of above about 1400.degree. C. until complete conversion to mullite occurs.

Abstract: Sulfur-containing compounds such as hydrogen sulfide and sulfur oxides arising from gasification or combustion of organic fuels such as coal may be removed from the hot gases by attrition resistant, highly reactive limestone-based sorbent agglomerates. The agglomerates are formed by crushing and powdering naturally occurring limestone into grains of fine particle size and binding the powdered limestone grains with a binder that is stable at high temperature, for example a colloidal grade of attapulgite clay. Volatile liquid is added to the mix of binder and powdered limestone to form a paste-like mixture, which is then agglomerated in compression-type agglomerating equipment to form spheroidal agglomerates having good green strength. In fluidized bed combustion applications, these agglomerates have attrition resistance equivalent to conventional natural limestone granules and are far more reactive in terms of sulfur pickup.

Abstract: Sulfur-containing compounds such as hydrogen sulfide and sulfur oxides arising from gasification or combustion of organic fuels such as coal may be removed from the hot gases by attrition resistant, highly reactive limestone-based sorbent agglomerates. The agglomerates are formed by crushing and powdering naturally occurring limestone into grains of fine particle size and binding the powdered limestone grains with a binder that is stable at high temperature, for example a colloidal grade of attapulgite clay. Volatile liquid is added to the mix of binder and powdered limestone to form a paste-like mixture, which is then agglomerated in compression-type agglomerating equipment to form spheroidal agglomerates having good green strength. In fluidized bed combustion applications, these agglomerates have attrition resistance equivalent to conventional natural limestone granules and are far more reactive in terms of sulfur pickup.